Coaster Model Project

Im a senior in a special program devoted to engineering and space. For my senior project I have decided to design and build a scale model of a roller coaster. The project requires me to have a "mentor" to help me with any questions along the way... someone that knows their stuff. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with that. Also, I was wondering what the best material would be to use for the track and rails and how to connect the pieces (if I did a steel coaster I heard welding it would be difficult to do). Thanks for everyones time in reading this... I hope someone can help me out soon.[:I]

Alex
nitro_lifestyle@hotmail.com

Could you make a track section, half the size of a real track section? If you have a lot of scrap metal, you may be able to do that...may be easier.

well u see....now welding wouldnt quite work...becuz if u welded the track together imagine how much sanding u would have to do and how rough the track would be...now heres what u hafta do...inside the railing make a bolt section and have it connect to the other peice of the track...if u get wat im saying, sort of like this picture here http://rcdb.com/ig2528.htm?picture=6 if u have any idea wat im saying...basically you need to do the bolting like that no welding!!! becuz if u do a messy welding job then its very hard to make a stable track, so i would use bolts...but if u have any questions pm me!

o sry i forgot the part for the material....i really couldnt tell u...unless u had a big steel bending machine than it would be very hard....but if you do not have a steel bender than i would suggest that u do a wooden rollercoaster

The best material for making a steel coaster would be welding sticks. You can buy a 50-pack of small metal rods for about 5 bucks at Home Depot, and it is very easy to bend and shape. The best ways to connect the whole thing together would be with either sautering them, or using super glue. You will need a good tool to cut the ends, ties, and supports to the right length, but it is not as hard as you may think. The best thing to make models out of is balsa wood, thogh. I actually made a small wood coaster track model for engineering class by using it. Don't expect your models to actually operate, but they really look cool if you do it right. One other thing that is not really a coaster model but is much easier to build is taking pipe insulation and cutting it in half, making a long chute. Attach the pieces together with duct tape and you have an instant semi-model that you can roll marbles down for fun.

Well, you could talk to a member of Coasters2k who is making a similar project for a college project, in which he has invented a new roller coaster type, you may want to speak with him, though he is quite busy with his project around this time.

But, when I talk with him, I'll ask him if he'd like to help you out with some of your questions...